Tourism bridges built at Indaba
According to MTPA, Mpumalanga had 30 tourism products exhibited within the Mpumalanga Village. Over 13 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) were also given a platform to market their products.
MBOMBELA – The SA Tourism Indaba was held in Durban from May 7 to 9.
Local exhibitors under the guidance of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) were among the thousands who flocked to Durban from SA and abroad to showcase their products.
The head of tourism of MTPA, Mr Xolani Mthethwa, said the event was extremely important to the local industry as it connected local tourism products to the main players in the international field.
“For example, local tourism products receive exposure to major wholesalers which look to buy products on offer. This in turn boasts our local exhibitors and the local economy in general,” he said.
According to Mthethwa, Mpumalanga had 30 tourism products exhibited within the Mpumalanga Village. He added that 13 small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) were also given a platform to market their products.
Prior to the Indaba, MTPA hosted pre-exhibition workshops where people who would showcase Mpumalanga tourism products were invited.
Every year after the tourism spectacular, MTPA has a debriefing session in order to track the progress exhibitors have made since the event.
“We invite exhibitors to to give feedback on their successes and experience of the event. The growth of most of our small tourism businesses is derived from the deals and contacts made at Indaba,” Mthethwa said.
Most of the local exhibitors testified that the Indaba was a success and a great platform for them to make and revive relationships.
Mr Sertorio Mshotola from Ntwanano Tours & Transfers said, “We got to meet with other role players in the tourism industry and that is very vital because we exchange contacts and make referrals, that’s good for business,” he said.
“It was a good exposure for us as a small business. It was the second time we attended and it presented us with an opportunity to get in touch with potential clients,” said Mr Roy Ledwaba from LaPicasso Guest House.
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